This was one of the safest books I have ever read. There was barely any conflict and everything was resolved pretty easily. Which is fine, but not what I was expecting a book about someone who is HIV positive and a feminine presenting man to be so bland. But it was a decent read.

I liked this in a lot of ways, particularly its depiction of Kendall and his genderqueerness. But there were some understandable yet incredibly frustrating parts where the two just wouldn't use their words, and I hate that. Luckily they got over it well, and the ending was very sweet.

I wanted to love this book because I’ve loved most of the books in this series a lot, and while I enjoyed it I don’t feel it best represents author Annabeth Albert’s work. Two men from very different walks of life bond over dancing and I was so excited about that aspect, but that was one of the issues I had with the story. I just didn’t get that warm, fuzzy and satisfied feeling from Danced Close that I normally get when I read this author.

Kendall is a well sought after wedding and event planner and he identifies as genderqueer something that his last boyfriend and his mother don’t seem to approve of. Kendall enjoys dressing for success in ways that make him feel good and that transcend his gender fluidity. What I got to know of Kendall I really liked, but I kind of felt we just scratched the surface with his character which was a shame. When Todd, a guy who works at a bakery Kendall uses often for events expresses interest in knowing more about him Kendall in interested, but wary.

It was hard for Todd not to notice Kendall all the times his boss’s bakery did business with him, but he was never quite sure what to call him and didn’t want to offend him. Opening up and asking was a huge step for Todd whose life for the last 7 years has been in turmoil and taken a toll on his self esteem and self worth. I genuinely liked Todd and could understand his issues and concerns and while I would have like to know he was in counseling for his multiple issues. I loved how he respected and was completely enthralled with Kendall, but also held back to protect himself.

When Kendall’s best friend has to back out of their West Coast Swing dance lessons for personal reasons he asks Todd to go with him and after much through Todd agrees. Todd had been a ballroom dancer in his youth and young teens and it was obvious he knew more than your average guy taking dance lessons. So, this is where some of my issues came in; West Coast Swing is one of the more difficult dances for new dancers (like Kendall) to learn because while there are basics there is a lot of styling and freedom of movement than in more rigid dances. Todd had always led as he’d always had a female partner and I can honestly say that a newbie learning to lead WCS is not easy because it doesn’t follow a set pattern like other dances, the leader has to be quick and be able to think several steps ahead, and it is very, very hard for brand new dancers to do this, so in making Kendall the leader and being pretty good at it off the bat didn’t ring true with me. I felt like this was done to prove a point about the fact that though he was genderqueer he still liked to be in charge, I get that…hell, I like to be in charge, but the fact remains when I dance I follow because my partner is a stronger lead. I was also disappointed that after all the buildup to them dancing at the charity function, we don’t know how it went, I mean I kind of wanted a big clearing of the floor because they were so good and everyone wanted to watch them moment!

I enjoyed watching these two fall for one another, the times they spent together talking, cooking, practicing their dancing and the intimacy they built up to. They had some issues to deal with along the way, but overall there wasn’t a lot of angst. I needed more time with them once they got past their hang-ups and issues because I just felt like there was something missing between them that we never got to see.

I enjoyed Dance Close, but it wasn’t my favorite in this series.

Kendall Rose is a wedding planner and he likes to work with a local bakery for his client’s cakes. Kendall particularly likes Todd, the bakery’s delivery man. Not only is Todd a hunky, hipster, lumberjack type, but he also seems to accept Kendall exactly for what he is: a gender queer gay man. Kendall is used to getting attention for his looks and the way he dresses, and he loves that Todd accepts him easily and without any judgement.

When Kendall’s dance partner for an upcoming fundraiser has to cancel, Kendall takes a chance and asks Todd if he wants to take the dance lessons together instead. At first Todd is wary; he is only a couple of years sober and after a bad breakup, he doesn’t think getting involved with anyone is a good idea for his sobriety. But Kendall is coming off a rough relationship as well and so they both decide friends is the way to go.

As it turns out, the guys end up being perfect partners — both on and off the floor. The more time they spend together, the more Kendall and Todd realize how strong the attraction is between them. But both men are wary about starting something serious, not to mention both have major self doubts about their appeal to the other man. Now both Kendall and Todd have to decide what they really want out of their relationship, and then be brave enough to share their feelings and take a chance on love.

Danced Close is the sixth book in Annabeth Albert’s Portland Heat series. This is a sweet and sexy series that takes place among the various businesses in Portland. While the characters occasionally walk in and out of each other’s stories, for the most part these books stand alone. In this case, Todd works at the bakery from Baked Fresh, so owner Vic makes several appearances here. And we briefly see the wedding of Robby and David from Served Hot. So some fun cameos if you are a fan of the series, but otherwise you could totally read this one on it’s own.

This story has a nice, easy vibe that I really liked. These guys take their relationship slowly, and the sex slowly as well. The book never drags or feels bogged down, but there is just a nice, easy pace to the story that made it really enjoyable. Both of these men are really likable. They each have some issues, but both men accept the other one easily and without reservation. Kendall accepts Todd’s rough past completely and without judgement, and Todd does the same for Kendall’s gender fluidity. I loved that not only do these men readily accept the other, but they are also quick to stand up for each other in the face of scrutiny. There is just a sweet sense of love and acceptance here, and you can’t help but like these guys and root for them.

The storyline is fairly simple here: the guys meet, they dance together, and then they fall for each other. The conflict comes when both men begin to doubt whether the other truly could want them. This leads to a bout of miscommunication (or more accurately lack of communication) that I did find a little frustrating. I think had there been more going on in the story it could have better supported this type of conflict. But as it was, I found myself frustrated that it takes these men so much effort to talk to one another. I also wished I had a better sense of the breakups these guys went through, particularly Kendall’s as that was less explained, since these seemed to be key issues for both men but we don’t get a lot of detail on them.

That said, I found this one warm and really enjoyable. There is so much to like about this series and Danced Close is another great addition. I can easily recommend the book and the whole series.

Another sweet story and great way to wrap up the series. This time around the story is about Todd whom works for VIc from Baked Fresh (book #2). Todd has had his issues but is clean and trying to live properly. When Kendall Rose comes in to the bakery his world turns around.

Kendall is used to judgement in regards to whom he is, and has a hard time believing Todd likes him for him. I learned some new terms that I wasn't aware of before in the LGBTQ community.

I liked Todd and Kendall together and the evolution of both of them.

It was sweet as per usual with Annabeth Albert. I still liked it but it was my least favorite of the series.

This is my first Portland Heat book and I’m sold! This is another series that follows individual couples, and each reads as a standalone.

--I quickly fell in love with Kendall and Todd, together and apart.
--Love switching perspectives between them.
--The dealing with addiction and meetings rings true as someone who’s been around recovering addicts.
--Love how it deals with pronouns, gender roles, misogyny, and discrimination within the rainbow community.
--Love how Todd starts catching himself with gendered thinking and speech.
--Love how Kendall has to catch himself about assumptions with food and money.
--There is no dramatic meet-cute for them because they meet through work, which I appreciate as more realistic and endearing.
--They start slowly physically, before ramping up to hot, perfect, explicit sex scenes. Don’t worry, they don’t forget the sweet, the cuddling, and the fun along the way.
--There is the commutative failure to sow drama and discontent between them, so they can come together stronger in the end.
--Things do go predictably, but that’s a feature rather than a bug.

Absolutely perfect for contemporary romance fans looking for m/m couple and progressiveness.

Danced Close
When a gender fluid wedding planner needs a dance partner the most likely choice isn’t Todd, recovering addict bakery employee. Todd’s focus is on the status quo, balance in his life and he doesn’t want to do anything to disrupt this including taking more responsibility at work but he loves to dance and he really enjoys flirting with Kendall.
Kendall makes no apologies for who he is but neither does he expect to be accepted, based on his own past experience. He knows who he is but doesn’t have a strong appreciation of his value, his worth. Similarly, Todd has difficulty looking ahead without letting his past define his self-image.
This is a super-sweet story with two main characters who see themselves more clearly through the eyes of their friend, their romantic partner.
Todd delivers! Does that make him Kendall's 'delivery boy'?

Kendall is a wedding planner who’s yet to meet that special someone who wholeheartedly accepts his love of pretty things and his genderqueer identity. Todd is a tattooed, bearded, flannel-wearing bakery assistant just getting his life on track after battling addiction. Both guys are very attracted to each other, but they’re also both coming off of relationships with people who didn’t treat them with the respect they deserve so they’re a little (re: very) skittish at the idea of starting up something new. The fact that each is also very aware that they aren’t the other’s usual type also causes some hitches in the road to romance.

When Kendall’s partner for a charity dance falls through at the last minute, he takes the opportunity to rope Todd into substituting – not that he has to try very hard; Todd is very receptive to following Kendall’s lead as he proves time and again (on the dance floor and in the bedroom later on 😉).

For two people who aren’t looking for anything serious, they just can’t seem to fight the connection they feel physically, emotionally, mentally. It’s like each is what the other has been missing from their life without even realizing it – it’s all very romantic 😍. And the way tough-looking Todd gets all blushing and tongue-tied in the presence of elegantly confident Kendall is just completely adorable as well.

Danced Close is such a well-written romance. I was rooting for Kendall and Todd’s relationship from the very start and found myself wishing their love story was more drawn out and in-depth, not that it wasn’t great they way the story played out, but I just liked it so much I wanted to get more into it. The angst was low, the love scenes were intimate (way more intimate than should result from a dance partners with benefits relationship like they both try to fool themselves into thinking they have), and the way the two just clicked together like completely different but complementary puzzle pieces was lovely.

The Portland Heat series is turning out to be a must-read for me and I highly recommend checking it out. Each of the novellas in the series is a standalone and features surprisingly deep and well-fleshed out romances for the relatively short lengths of the books. I enjoyed Danced Close as much as I did the last book I read in the series (Knit Tight, Portland Heat #4) and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the Portland Heat series as soon as possible.

Kendall, a genderqueer wedding planner, is in a bind. He’s committed to participating in a swing dance benefit in a few weeks, but his best friend has had to bow out of the event--and the dance lessons leading up to it--to deal with a family emergency. Kendall <i>can’t</i> give the benefit a miss or show up without a partner; not with his ex ready and waiting to sneer at him.<p>

Enter Todd, a former competitive dancer and current assistant at one of the bakeries Kendall deals with. Todd agrees to help Kendall out, and the more they dance together the deeper their connection runs.<p>

DANCED CLOSE is the sixth book in Albert’s Portland Heat series. The novellas all focus on small business owners and employees, and as with most romance series you do <i>not</i> need to read them in publication order. Newcomers can easily leap in here, though longtime readers will recognize Todd from his small role in BAKED FRESH and be glad to see cameos from a few other series couples.<p>

This latest installment has tons to recommend it, starting with its genderqueer co-protagonist! I’d like to see more genderqueer (and agender, and nonbinary, and genderfluid) characters in fiction, please. Kendall’s secure in his identity as a genderqueer gay man, and Albert demonstrates his comfort with himself without downplaying the challenges he faces from some elements of society. Kendall’s used to people sneering at him, treating him as a performer rather than a person, or ignoring him outright because he makes them feel uncomfortable. He’s determined to live the way he wants to despite this.<p>

Todd hasn’t known any genderqueer people besides Kendall, but his lack of familiarity with his new friend’s gender doesn’t translate into a lack of respect. He makes an effort to ask about pronouns and to avoid making insensitive remarks, keen to support the person who quickly comes to mean so much to him. When he fails--a hallmark of Albert’s protagonists, who are always willing but imperfect--he owns his mistakes and learns from them. It’s always a matter of Todd adjusting his own perceptions without demanding Kendall be anyone other than who he is.<p>

Even though Kendall is the first genderqueer person Todd’s met, he’s not the only genderqueer person in the narrative. Another of the couples in their dance class is genderqueer, and since it’s a small business romance Kendall ends up planning their wedding. Entrepreneurs always gotta hussle, you know?<p>

Identities remain front and centre throughout the story. Kendall knows who he is, but Todd, who’s a few years younger, is still in the process of figuring himself out. He’s a recovering drug addict who’s fairly new to having a settled living situation and a secure job, and who feels like his life is on hold while he processes how his time on the streets changed him. Consequently, he’s reluctant to trust the opportunities that come his way because he’s sure he’ll mess up, whether he’s dealing with his boss’s offer to teach him cake decoration or his friendship (and eventual romance) with Kendall. The new relationship gives him a framework to explore the passions that form his personality, including his love for dance and his newfound focus on the sorts of foods and fashions he gravitates towards (and shies away from).<p>

Albert plays up the contrast between Kendall’s confidence and Todd’s uncertainty, allowing each of them to push the other in new directions while acknowledging change can be hard and scary, especially when you’re coming out of a dark period.<p>

DANCED CLOSE is also notable as Albert’s first dual first person POV offering. She cuts between Todd and Kendall on a chapter-by-chapter basis and does a good job of giving each character a distinct voice and narrative outlook. It’s always easy to tell whose head you’re in.<p>

This approach allows us to see the characters through each others’ eyes, too; a fun element missing from the earlier Portland Heat books (but very much on display in Albert’s third person #gaymers and Perfect Harmony series). I love first person because I love hearing characters’ stories in their own words, but I also love the way third person romances play up the lovers’ reactions to one another. DANCED CLOSE delivers the best of both worlds.<p>

The POV shifts also generate much of the novella’s tension. It’s obvious to the reader that Kendall and Todd are great together and more than capable of supporting one another through any number of pitfalls, but their various hangups have them each convinced the other is looking for something completely different in the long term. It’s a tearjerker, as this sort of Albert narrative always is, but I did feel like there were a few emotional cues missing here and there. I knew what was going on, but I didn’t feel it as strongly as I normally do with Albert’s work because the groundwork wasn’t as solid as usual.<p>

Despite that hiccup, this is another lovely entry in the series. It made me tear up, and it left me eager for whatever Albert comes out with next. I hope she’s got more Portland Heat novellas in the works!<p>

Post goes live 9 JUNE

I've read almost all of the Portland Heat books, and I have enjoyed them all. This one is no different.

I loved how their are so many different aspects to this story, but they all seemed to work together. Without all those aspects, this story wouldn't have been as good as it was.

I haven't read a lot of books with characters like Kendall - where they are gender fluid. Yet I was completely drawn into his character. I don't want to give too much away so that it ruins the story for other people. But I will say this - if you have enjoyed the Portland Heat series, then you will love this book. If you haven't started the series yet and are on the fence, I'd check out this book to see how you would like it.

I have loved every book in this adorable series of Annabeth Albert and this is no exception. We get loveable characters. One broken and fighting to stay above water and in the present. The other trying to be himself and get someone to accept him for who he is.

todd is a great character. He is kind and caring but focusing on his sobriety. He is honest and open as well and boy does he have a crush on Kendall. But he is afraid. Afraid to be crushed and that will have him stumble in his recovery. Not just that he doesn’t really feel he is worthwhile and it does hurt me with some of Kendall’s actions towards Todd. These two are great together and their story is wonderful, informative, adorable and tender.

Kendall has been hurt one to many times so he shores up his heart. Todd though slowly warms it. Except Kendall out of fear tries to deny it. To me that is so wrong because he knows Todd’s past and that he is trying to climb back up from rock bottom. He doesn’t need someone to hurt him but who will support him. Luckily for us Kendall is a smart guy and realizes his idiot ways before it is too late.

the story is fun and sweet. Very tender and entertaining. These two show us what love unconditionally is and what it means to love the person for who they are and not want to change them. they support one another and are each other’s rocks but their friendship that the story begins with as they explore their attraction is what makes their story wonderful. They didn’t jump into a relationship but worked into it and got to know one another. They were open and honest with each other. Each one of them is so likeable and great. Kind and caring and trying to find themselves. They do and so much more in this wonderfully written romance that is over far too soon.

Stevie‘s review of Danced Close (Portland Heat, Book 6) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Gender-fluid Romance published by Lyrical Shine 14 Mar 17

I’m loving the fact that more and more gender-fluid and gender-queer characters are getting stories of their own, rather than just appearing in the background to add extra colour to other characters’ adventures and romances. The first two romances of that ilk that stood out for me recently were set in the past, but now I’ve finally found a contemporary story – and in a series I’ve been following to boot – one of Annabeth Albert’s Portland Heat books, where owners and employees of various businesses interact and discover how their lives intersect with each other: all with a lot of passion along the way.

Flamboyant wedding planner Kendall Rose is secure in his identity as a gender-queer gay man, but realises that not everyone finds it easy to accept him as he is, without placing restrictions or trying to change him. His work often brings him into contact with the employees of a local bakery, and one of them in particular, Southerner Todd, has caught Kendall’s eye and seems to reciprocate Kendall’s interest in spite of neither appearing to be the other’s usual type. Kendall’s society fundraiser mother has been planning a 1940s dance event, and Kendall is determined to show his ex, who will also be there, just how over their break-up he is: by turning up with a new dance partner and really shining at a previously unfamiliar set of moves.

Right before their series of classes is due to start, Kendall’s dance partner is forced to drop out due to family commitments. Learning that Todd has a natural aptitude for other dance forms, Kendall invites him along instead.

Todd is very keen to please the man he’s been admiring from afar, although his career as a child dance star crashed and burned in the worst possible way, leading to his time as a homeless drug-addict. Now he’s in recovery and living with his grandmother, Todd feels confident enough to try out dancing publically again, and is soon encouraging Kendall to experiment on the dance floor, as well as taking Kendall’s fashion tips to heart.

I greatly appreciated how this book didn’t shy away from either man’s issues, and didn’t try to gloss over the difficulties they face in gaining acceptance from some of those they meet; even in the open and welcoming Portland gay scene there are some who find Kendall a little too out there. I loved their families, especially Todd’s grandmother, and I was especially proud of Kendall when he turned down a booking from a Bridezilla who thought he was going to be part of her Big Day’s entertainment. My one misgiving overall was that the novella format and the need for a happy ending meant that we were catapulted from the inevitable showdown with Kendall’s obnoxious ex at the charity event to a short ‘six months later…’ epilogue with no chance to properly see the relationship grow over an extended time. Still a worthy addition to this charming series, nonetheless.

Grade: B

Reviews posted on Goodreads, V's Reads, Amazon and Barnes and Noble: https://vsreads.com/2017/05/03/feeling-the-love-danced-close-a-review/

Todd is a twenty-two year old starting his life over again. He’d struggled with weight issues, and addiction in his childhood, but he’s clean and sober, now. Still, it’s not easy to make his way in the world. A former runaway/homeless teen, he’d seen the worst of life on the streets. He doesn’t have a fancy degree–or even and unfancy one–but he’s a true blue spirit, willing to go the extra mile and work twice as hard as the next guy. He’s currently working in an upscale bakery, and that’s where he meets Kendall.

Kendall is a genderqueer man who is definitely gay, but unhappy in his usual “role” due to his feminine-leaning fashion and slighter stature. He’s met Todd on several occasions when he brings wedding-planning clients to the bakery. And, there’s a spark, for sure. Todd has old-fashioned manners, and treats Kendall with respect. When Kendall’s partner for ballroom dancing classes cancels, he asks Todd to stand in–delighted to learn that Todd was a champion dancer in his early childhood. Todd isn’t a spotlight kind of guy–not anymore–but he agrees to be a partner to Kendall when he learns it’s all part of a benefit for the homeless shelter that rescued Todd from the streets.

I really liked the slower pace of this romance, because Todd’s history isn’t like those of the men Kendall usually dates. Todd wants a partnership, more than a casual partner. They have dinners together, and talk, and dance, and have some shenanigans. But that’s only after some very frank and honest discussions about risk. Because those conversations are necessary for these guys. I also really liked the way that Todd accepted Kendall’s genderqueer identity. Kendall has had many experiences of being belittled for his outre habits, yet, Todd admires him earnestly. This is a sweet tale, and the love story spoke to me–for all of it’s challenges.

For series fans we get a little bit of Vic from BAKED FRESH, as Todd works in his bakery. I liked how close Todd was with his Gran, and how hard he works to remain sober. It’s interesting at the beginning when Kendall teases Todd about his age, and Todd thinks about how aged he is for such a “young” person. He’s a guy who thought his life was mostly over before it had even begun, and considers himself unworthy of love. But, Kendall’s insecurities fit him–they fit each other in the right ways. They are able to support one another emotionally, and that means a lot to these two guys who really do want a solid love. It was an interesting and engaging read in this novella series, and I devoured it in one night-time gulp.

Once again, Annabeth Albert's Portland Heat series delivers a sweet and affirming love story. Todd and Kendall build a relationship based on mutual respect and attraction, and both characters have enough self respect to articulate what they want for themselves. Highly recommended for fans of enjoyable, intimate QUILTBAG romance.

Danced Close is just the latest in the Portland Heat series, though you don't have to read them in order. I've missed the first few - though I do want to read them at some point - but the latest additions have all been great. While a fairly quick read, I still really enjoyed Danced Close and felt like I got to know the main characters, Todd and Kendall, well. That's always the biggest thing for me!

As for the story, I really liked how different the two guys were. Todd is a recovering addict, but he's getting his life together and doing well at the bakery. As for Kendall, he's a wedding planner that is genderfluid. His pronouns are "he" but that doesn't mean he won't dress in feminine clothes or wear makeup. Todd is more than okay with that - so it works pretty well from the start. The two really get to know each other while taking dance lessons for an event Kendall has coming up. His ex will be there and he wants to show off, and with Todd as his dance partner, the ex is sure to be jealous. This was a fun read - with some more important/serious topics touched on!

This was my first rodeo with a Queergender character, I have read a few Transgender stories but Kendall is a Genderqueer Gay Man, a first for me, so new to me that...I hate to say it but, I actually had to look it up even though Annabeth did her best to spell it out for you. I found a video that helped me to understand it all a little bit better, you can see it below.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Kendall and Todd, Todd was such a likable guy I could totally see why Kendall was attracted to him. Todd is a recovering addict and is trying to get his life on the right path, he is working at Vic's bakery (you'll remember Vic if you read Baked Fresh Portland Heat #2) as an assistant.

Kendall and Todd's relationship starts out slowly and gradually grows into something more. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and I hope they pop up in other books later on in the series.

If you haven't read any of the books in the Portland Heat series you can totally jump in and read this as a standalone, but I think you will enjoy entire series so after this you should definitely go back to book #1 Served Hot and get to know all of the great couples.

Danced Close was my first foray into a book that had so many different types of sexuality. I have read many gay M/M romances and absolutely loved them. This one, though it was between two men, they identify differently. It was a new experience for me. And for them as well. This book also deals in HIV, recovering addictions and the complexity and emotional issues that are associated with it.

When I started the book I wasn't too sure about it but the more into I got the more involved in it I was. Kendall had such a hard time figuring things out while Todd fought with himself but it was no use. This was an amazing romance and a bit educational for me who was apparently quite ignorant of a few facts. I may have started out with doubts but ended with a huge smile and loving this book. I would highly recommend it to all who love an in depth romance with substance.

Another Amazing book by Annabeth! The Portland Heat series by Annabeth Albert has been a consistent favorite of mine, with small shop workers finding love and companionship in the busy city. Each story has had unique likable characters and situations, and Danced Close is another sweet and sexy novella worthy of the series

At first glance, Danced Close might look like it’s going to simply be a breezy little romance novella—another sweet Annabeth Albert story with an adorable cover (the cover is SO adorable, right?). And, on some level it is. We have a budding friendship and attraction between our two MCs, and the story unfolds. However, what you get out of Danced Close is definitely more than its face value. Albert has brought us two lovely and complex characters who help her tackle the weightier subjects of addiction, self-worth, and gender fluidity, to name a few. That’s not to say the book is heavy. It’s not at all. It retained the lighter feel I’ve been wanting in my books recently, while still also having plenty of substance.

I loved both Kendall and Todd right off the bat. And, I loved that we got to be in both of their heads. Albert did a fantastic job with the dual POVs and with giving Todd and Kendall such distinct and consistent voices. I could tell straight away, even without the header at the beginning of each chapter, whose POV it was currently. I LOVED that I didn’t have that frustration you get sometimes, when there is a POV switch and it isn’t clear, and you have to go back to remind yourself who’s talking. I know you guys know what I’m talking about. Well, don’t worry, there is none of that here!

The blurb gives you a good basic idea of what to expect going in. We know that Todd is a recovering addict and works at Vic’s bakery. We know that Kendall is a wedding planner, who frequents Vic’s bakery, and has embraced his gender fluidity. But, obviously, there is so much more to both of them. I really loved this pairing from the beginning; even Kendall and Todd’s early interactions are fabulous. And, I loved, loved, loved how Todd treated Kendall. He never gives the fact that Kendall is genderqueer a moment’s pause, unlike so many others Kendall encounters. I loved this observation from Kendall after realizing the difference between how Todd treated him versus some of his clients…

“I was a character to them, not always a person. I liked how Todd always seemed to see the person.”
The character development was very good. I felt like I really knew both Todd and Kendall, knew enough of their history to connect with them individually. And, as I said, I definitely liked their pairing. But, to be honest, I wish the story had maybe been just a bit longer. I felt like they needed a bit more time to really solidify their connection with each other. I did love them, but if my investment had been even just a tad deeper, maybe I wouldn’t have wanted to slap them as much when they started the self-sabotage and miscommunication portion of their relationship! Haha. It’s true that those behaviors are so frustrating and exhausting at times, but it thankfully wasn’t too overdone here. I did have a few brief moments of ‘Gahhhh! Stop it!’—but, that was ok.

Omigosh, I haven’t even talked about the dancing!! One word…Loved. Todd had a little unexpected trick up his sleeve, which was fantastic, and I adored everything about them taking the lessons together, and finally getting to show off at the fundraiser. It was beautiful to see Todd so willingly give the lead over to Kendall, and to see Kendall shine in the role.

“And wasn’t that a heady sensation? This bearded baby lumberjack giving up control to me? I want more of that, yes please.”
Gorgeous, fun stuff.

Overall, this was a big win for me. Aside from wanting to shout at the MCs a couple of times to “just talk, already!” I enjoyed it immensely. It’s sort of funny that I’ve read the first Portland Heat book, and now what is perhaps the last. Now I need to fill in the middle of the series! I loved what I saw of Vic and Robin in this one, so I can’t wait to read their story in the second book. But, even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, there is no need to wait to enjoy Kendall and Todd’s story in Danced Close.

The Portland Heat series by Annabeth Albert has been a consistent favorite of mine, with small shop workers finding love and companionship in the busy city. Each story has had unique likable characters and situations, and Danced Close is another sweet and sexy novella worthy of the series.

Kendall is a wedding planner, a genderqueer gay man who has found his niche and loves his work, bringing couples together and helping them plan their perfect wedding day. His favorite wedding cakes come from Vic's bakery, where Vic's new assistant Todd is learning the ropes. Kendall feels an instant attraction to Todd, and that feeling is mutual. When Kendall's partner for a swing dance class falls through, he asks Todd if he'd be willing to partner with him, in preparation for a charity dance fundraiser his mother is involved with. Kendall's last partner will be at the dance, and Kendall really doesn't want to show up solo.

Todd's attraction to Kendall is as much for his looks as it is for his character and his comfort in his identity. But Todd is a recovering addict and HIV positive. Though his viral count is low, since he found out he's limited his interactions to other HIV positive men and kept himself from getting in too deep. It's easy to be swayed by Kendall's easy manner and obvious attraction to him, though both are gun shy about getting too involved. When their attraction leads to a stronger emotional connection, will they be willing to take that next step together?

This is one of the few books I've read with a gender fluid character like Kendall, who embraces both his masculine and feminine sides. I found him to be very intriguing (he identifies as 'he') and appreciated that Todd found all aspects of his character to be appealing. There are several sweet and sexy scenes between them as they navigate a sexual relationship being mindful of the reality of Todd's status. The dance scenes are fun too.

Todd's past is the darker of the two, including his HIV status and drug addiction problems. He is in AA and goes to meetings regularly. Though these are serious topics, the overall feeling of the story is quite light and low angst. Todd lives with his grandmother, a lovely and caring woman who has supported him through his recovery. In contrast, Kendall is quite wealthy, with his own well furnished place. They are opposite in nature but complement each other well. The story takes place over several weeks, and we get some cameo appearances from other characters from the series, as Kendall is planning the wedding for Robby and David from Served Hot, the first book in the series. All in all, it's an enjoyable read with a satisfying happy ending.

This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo, and has been posted at Goodreads.